(SACRAMENTO, CA) April 16, 2026 — The California Energy Commission (CEC) has launched a new, state-sponsored $93 million initiative called the Equitable Building Decarbonization Program to help residents in underresourced communities in Central California save energy and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
With the goal of making homes more energy efficient, comfortable and healthier for low-income households, the program is now available to qualifying residents in Bakersfield, Fresno, Los Banos and Modesto.
The Equitable Building Decarbonization Program provides and installs electric appliances and other home energy upgrades at no cost to both homeowners and tenants of single-family homes. The program is administered in Central California by the Center for Sustainable Energy (CSE) and plans to expand to additional eligible communities in the region later in 2026.
The program is part of California’s broader efforts to help communities prepare for climate change, reduce greenhouse gas emissions from homes and advance energy equity. State lawmakers have dedicated $494 million in state and federal funds to support the program across California. The program is administered in Southern California by the County of Los Angeles and in Northern California by the Association for Energy Affordability.
From the California Energy Commission
“The Equitable Building Decarbonization Program demonstrates that climate action and affordability can go hand in hand,” said CEC Commissioner Andrew McAllister. “By replacing outdated, polluting appliances with modern electric technologies at no cost to residents, California is advancing its climate goals while ensuring healthier, safer and more comfortable homes for communities that have too often been left behind.”
How does it work?
To participate, interested homeowners and occupants follow these steps:
- First complete a simple income eligibility check.
- Provide basic household and utility information.
- If eligible, schedule a free home energy assessment to evaluate home’s condition to identify the most beneficial upgrades from the program’s list of possible measures.
List of Eligible Upgrades
Once the assessment is complete, and if the property owner or resident chooses to move forward, a contractor will complete the installation work at no cost. Available upgrades include improvements to:
- Heat pumps for space heating and cooling
- Insulation and air sealing
- Heat pump water heater
- Induction range or cooktop
- Electric clothes dryers
- Lighting and indoor air quality
- Electrical wiring and service panels
All assessments and installations are completed by trained, vetted contractors hired through the program, ensuring safe, high-quality improvements for participating households.
From the Center for Sustainable Energy
"We’re proud to support households across Central California with upgrades that improve their long-term affordability,” said Jin Zhu, CSE’s program manager. “By covering 100 percent of costs — from assessment through installation — we’re removing financial barriers so families can enjoy healthier, more efficient homes.”
Find out if you qualify
Residents can quickly check whether their household may qualify by visiting the Central California Equitable Decarbonization Program website at ebd.energycenter.org. The online check provides an initial eligibility screen and does not store or share personal information.
The Equitable Building Decarbonization Program supports California’s commitment to a just and equitable transition to carbon neutrality by 2045 (Executive Order B-55-18, 2018) and advances the state’s goal of creating 3 million climate-ready homes by 2030 and reaching 7 million by 2035. A climate-ready home is both prepared for climate change impacts and has a reduced environmental footprint.
